Zhоu Shаоjin, fеаring her sister might bе аt а disаdvаntage, hurriedlу fоllowed.
Мadam Dоng wаs knееling, сlutсhing Old Mаdam Guan’s legs, weeping with tеаrs and muсus streаming dоwn hеr fаcе. Оld Маdаm Guan sаt on the luohаn bеd, loоking down at Mаdam Dong with а mix of hеlрlеssnеss аnd disрlеasure, арpеаring quitе troublеd.
At thе sight, Zhоu Shaojin fеlt а surge оf anger, but befоre she cоuld sреak, Zhоu Chujin had alrеаdу cаllеd оut, “Маdаm Chеng Вai,” with а faint, mоcking smile. “Whеn did yоu аrrivе? I nevеr ехрected tо run into you when my sistеr and I camе to pаy оur rеspеcts to Grandmother. What troubles you so that you’ve cried your makeup off, reddened your eyes, and let your hair fall into such disarray?” As she spoke, she stepped forward to help Madam Dong up while turning to Si’er, who had followed them in, and said reproachfully, “Sister Si’er, how could you not have instructed the maids to bring water for Madam Cheng Bai to wash her face when she’s in such a state?” Then, taking Madam Dong’s hand, she continued, “Is there anything you couldn’t discuss with my eldest aunt? Why must you come crying before Grandmother? During the New Year festivities, how inauspicious! Those who know you might say you and my grandmother are as close as mother and daughter, that you come to confide in her without regard for formalities; those who don’t might think someone in your family has died or your house has caught fire…”
To curse her family with death or fire, especially when Cheng Lu was on his way home for the New Year and hadn’t yet arrived safely, and during the festive season no less—and from a junior like Zhou Chujin—Madam Dong could no longer contain herself. She sprang to her feet and retorted, “What nonsense are you spouting, you little brat? You know it’s almost New Year—death and fire, are those words to be spoken lightly…”
Before Madam Dong could finish, Zhou Chujin laughed and said, “I didn’t mean it intentionally. Hearing the maids outside gossiping like that, I thought something had truly happened in your household. I misspoke for a moment—please be magnanimous and forgive me this once. Since everyone in your family, young and old, is safe and sound, why are you crying so bitterly? You’ve stirred up all sorts of rumors outside…”
Madam Dong fell silent, her eyes landing on Zhou Shaojin.
She couldn’t help but flush with embarrassment.
In front of Zhou Shaojin, she had always maintained an image of dignity, grace, and solemnity…
Madam Dong shot Zhou Chujin a resentful glare.
Cheng Bai had committed such a disgraceful, shameful act. She could cry about it like this, letting everyone know and gossiping behind Cheng Bai’s back about his heartlessness and lack of integrity. But she could never admit it openly in front of everyone. By reason and sentiment, she ought to bring her son to apologize to the Zhou sisters and to the Zhou family. Wouldn’t that confirm Cheng Bai’s disgrace? How could her son ever hold his head high again, burdened with such infamy? How could he ever arrange a marriage or take a wife?
She had pondered this over and over at home, thinking that after all, she was a generation above the Zhou sisters. Old Madam Guan had always pitied her for raising a child alone, and if she wept and expressed remorse sincerely before the old lady, perhaps Old Madam Guan’s heart would soften and let the matter pass. When Cheng Lu returned, they could prepare generous gifts to apologize to Cheng Mian—surely Cheng Mian wouldn’t defy Old Madam Guan? Then everyone would tacitly agree never to mention the matter again.
If the fourth branch didn’t pursue it, what right would the other branches have to gossip?As for the Zhou family, Old Madam Guan had already stopped pursuing the matter. Cheng Bai had been dead for so many years, and speaking out wouldn’t benefit Madam Zhuang either. She had compensated the Zhou family with that thirty-mu plot of prime farmland at the foot of Zhongshan. Given the Cheng family’s reputation, the Zhou family likely wouldn’t pursue it further.
But she never expected Old Madam Guan to be so resolute this time, refusing to relent. Over and over, she insisted this was a matter between the Cheng and Zhou families, and as a former mother-in-law, she couldn’t exploit the favor of having raised two children for the Zhou family to demand repayment… That was why Madam Dong had no choice but to resort to tears.
Now that Zhou Shaojin had witnessed this, it would likely be difficult to maintain the demeanor of an elder in front of her in the future.
Seeing her sister being glared at, Zhou Shaojin felt even more uncomfortable.
How could she have ever thought Madam Dong was an amiable and kind elder?
In her past life, ending up in such a state truly wasn’t anyone else’s fault!
Zhou Shaojin couldn’t help but say, “There’s no need for you to glare at my sister. Anyone seeing you crying and making such a scene would think something terrible had happened in your family! My sister is concerned about you. If it were anyone else, she would have pretended not to notice and walked away long ago. After all, your affairs are my grandmother’s responsibility. Surely you wouldn’t come looking for us sisters, would you?”
Madam Dong had always known Zhou Chujin was sharp and capable. The earlier exchange, with its hidden barbs, had already made her wary of Zhou Chujin. Now, with Zhou Shaojin chiming in, she recalled Zhou Shaojin’s disrespect during the second branch’s ancestor’s birthday celebration and thought of how her son had intended to propose to her, only for Zhou Shaojin to refuse such an honor. Instantly, she felt a mix of shame and anger, thinking, If I can’t handle Zhou Chujin, dealing with Zhou Shaojin should be easy enough. Without a second thought, she blurted out, “Shaoji, when did you learn to become so sharp-tongued? My Xiangqing used to praise you endlessly in front of me, saying you were virtuous, gentle, and kind—a rare and wonderful girl…”
Hearing her mention Cheng Lu, Zhou Shaojin trembled with anger.
No wonder this mother and son had never taken her seriously in her past life—they must have thought she was kind-hearted and easy to bully!
Her temper flared, and she no longer cared about propriety or respect for elders. Coldly, she interrupted Madam Dong, “What kind of talk is this? As a young lady of the inner chambers, how could Cousin Lu discuss me privately with you? I always thought Cousin Lu was a gentleman—respectful and courteous to his brothers, caring and protective toward us cousins. How does he sound like a different person in your words? Could it be that we’ve all misjudged Cousin Lu? Perhaps he’s actually someone who enjoys gossiping about others in private…”
Madam Dong was so furious she felt dizzy.
With Zhou Shaojin piling on such serious accusations, how could her son ever show his face in society again?
The key was, she couldn’t believe these words came from Zhou Shaojin.
Zhou Shaojin had always been weak and incompetent. Surely, someone was backing her, giving her the courage to oppose her like this.
“Shaoji, look at yourself—where is the demeanor of a proper young lady from a respectable family?” Madam Dong widened her eyes, speaking with feigned heartache. “You should stop talking now. If others heard this, they’d think you enjoy stirring up trouble and showing off your sharp tongue…”
Hearing this, Zhou Chujin stepped forward, ready to confront Madam Dong.Zhou Shaojin understood clearly that people liked to bully the weak, and she had been that weak one in the past, so Madam Dong naturally wanted to take advantage. Unless she wanted to hide behind her sister forever like in her previous life, she would have to stand up and face Madam Dong herself, letting her know that although she had a gentle temper, she was not without principles or boundaries.
"I cannot agree with what Madam Cheng Bai has said," she pulled her sister back, interrupting Madam Dong. "Above me, there is my grandmother, and below, my eldest aunt. Neither my grandmother nor my eldest aunt has spoken. When did my upbringing and virtue become something for you to manage? Or do you think that because you raised a son who passed the imperial examination, you are more respectable than my grandmother or my eldest aunt? If you truly desire such respect, I advise you to first manage your own household affairs properly. Otherwise, standing at the door pointing fingers at others while your own backyard is in disarray will only invite ridicule."
Madam Dong, who had just claimed in front of Old Madam Guan that she knew nothing of Cheng Bai's actions, was now mocked by Zhou Shaojin for being muddled and incompetent. She flushed with shame and anger, opening her mouth to argue with Zhou Shaojin. However, Old Madam Guan loudly called out, "Shao Jin!" and said, "Hurry and apologize to Madam Cheng Bai! Matters concerning elders are not for juniors like you to discuss." Without waiting for Zhou Shaojin to apologize to Madam Dong, she smiled at Madam Dong and said, "She's just a child and doesn't understand things. As an elder, you shouldn't take it to heart." Then, she scolded Zhou Shaojin, "Why are you still standing here? Didn't you plan to go to Cold Green Mountain House this afternoon to copy scriptures? It's rare for Old Madam Guo to hold you in such high regard. You should strive to prove yourself—if not with utmost diligence, at least by following the rules and being punctual..."
This was hardly a reprimand; it was clearly shielding Zhou Shaojin.
Madam Dong could tell, and so could the Zhou sisters.
Zhou Chujin quickly pulled her sister away and retreated.
Madam Dong’s face turned purple with rage, but thinking of how Old Madam Guan had threatened her with mentions of "Cold Green Mountain House" and "Old Madam Guo," her liver ached with frustration.
Meanwhile, Zhou Chujin and Zhou Shaojin stifled their laughter in the tea room. Especially Zhou Shaojin—it was the first time she had spoken her mind so freely, and she felt an indescribable sense of relief. Suddenly, she remembered the story Jiying had told her that day.
Should one live a lifetime with bowed head and submissive words, seeking only posthumous glory? Or should one follow their heart, striving to live without regrets and doing what they love?
Zhou Shaojin was lost in thought until Old Madam Guan dismissed Madam Dong and summoned the sisters over, at which point she snapped back to reality.
"Shao Jin has learned to stand up for her grandmother," Old Madam Guan said, taking Zhou Shaojin’s hand and gently patting the back of it, deeply moved.
Zhou Chujin was related to her by blood, while Zhou Shaojin was only her nominal granddaughter. Thus, she dared to discipline Zhou Chujin but was not as bold in managing Zhou Shaojin as she was with her. Yet, she never expected Zhou Shaojin to be so sensible, one day defending her as if she were her own granddaughter. She felt that all the effort she had put into raising Zhou Shaojin over the years had been worth it.Old Madam Guan couldn't help but say, "Don't argue with others from now on. No matter what, Aunt Bai is your elder. If others see it, they'll always think you're intolerant and in the wrong. If you encounter such situations again in the future, just cry loudly. If she still criticizes you, then it will be her fault."
Zhou Shaojin's eyes welled up with tears.
These were truly heartfelt words.
In her past life, she had longed for such words but never received them. In this life, they had fallen upon her so effortlessly.
With tears in her eyes, she smiled and said, "Isn't it because I saw we were in your room with no outsiders? If we were outside, I definitely wouldn't have spoken to her like that."
Old Madam Guan could see how moved she was. She felt Zhou Shaojin resembled Madam Zhuang even more—grateful and knowing how to repay kindness—and grew even fonder of her. She then smiled and said, "You must remember: never confront others head-on. Even if you win, you'll make enemies. As the saying goes, it's better to offend a gentleman than a petty person. Since you don't know whether someone is a gentleman or a petty person, it's best to be cautious and keep your wits about you in all matters."
Zhou Shaojin nodded repeatedly.
Old Madam Guan chuckled a few times and said, "Alright, I won't overstay my welcome here. I should only be responsible for making you happy. Disciplining you is your eldest aunt's job!"
Zhou Shaojin smiled with pursed lips.
Zhou Chujin playfully complained, "Grandmother is shirking responsibility again!"
Old Madam Guan laughed heartily.
The servants in the room also joined in the laughter.
※
I'm not a local of Wuhan. Yesterday, I invited my fellow Wuhan native Leidewen, who is also here, to act as a guide and host the publishing house editors. Not only did the discussions go smoothly, but everyone also chatted happily. Especially Leidewen, who recounted Wuhan's history in great detail, captivating even me, a native of Hubei. He also took us to eat authentic Chu cuisine—dishes whose origins and stories even I, as a Hubei native, didn't know... ⊙﹏⊙b sweat... But next time friends visit, I can follow his example.
o(n_n)o haha~
Thank you all for your understanding, which allowed me to have a very pleasant weekend.
Starting tomorrow, I'll work hard to update more!
※ (To be continued. If you like this work, please vote for recommendations and monthly votes. Your support is my greatest motivation.)
!!
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